This morning, I woke up at 5:15AM, slowly packed up, and hiked out from Blossom Bar at 6AM. I first passed Paradise Bar/Lodge (http://www.paradise-lodge.com/). Like several other areas on the trail (Rogue River Ranch, Winkle Bar, etc.), Paradise Bar is a huge expanse of dry, flat land which serves as a nice, occasional contrast from the rugged, heavily forested areas that make up most of the Rogue River Wilderness. At the last section of Paradise Bar, there were two adirondack-style chairs, which were arranged side-by-side facing the vast meadow. These chairs reminded me to take a few moments to appreciate the view, solitude, peace, and the sounds of the wilderness. After spending a few days in nature surrounded by the constant sounds of birds, wind, and moving water, many of the constant sounds of nature become background noise. However, it’s occasionally nice to FULLY tune back into the sound/views and appreciate the beauty.
After a few more miles of walking, Brushy Bar (at mile 30.5) was another beautiful area along the Rogue River which contrasted greatly from the scenery I had been accustomed to until then along the trail. Brushy Bar area is densely populated with tall, towering trees some of which extend hundreds of feet upward. The trail through the trees at Brushy Bar ended at a raft landing/camping area along the Rogue River. I filled up the water bottle in the Rogue River, retraced my steps back to the Rogue River Trail, and continued on toward Foster Bar.
After crossing the wide bridge above the creek, I entered Big Bend, the largest meadow yet along the Rogue River Trail and the historical site of the final battle between the Native Americans and white settlers. On May 27-28 1956, the white settlers dealt a final blow to the Native Americans during the 36-hour battle at Big Bend. After the Native American’s surrendered, about 1,000 Native Americans were relocated to a reservation a few hundred miles away. Here is more information about this last battle at Big Bend as well as some of the battles leading up to it.
After Big Bend, the Rogue River Trail officially ended at a trailhead parking lot. From the official end of the trail, I walked a half mile on a dirt road to the main paved road, and another half mile on the paved road until Foster Bar. At Foster Bar, I asked several different groups of people whether they were headed toward Gold Beach. Finally, a group of 6-7 people (in a couple of cars) offered to drive me to Gold Beach. This group of people included the kayaker, “lost-hiker,” and rafters. The drive to Gold Beach consisted of about 40 miles of windy roads alongside the Rogue River. The driver dropped me off the McKay’s Supermarket, the only 24-hour supermarket in Golds Beach.
I then walked another mile south to “Inn at the Beachcomber” and showered. By 4:30PM, I was walking toward Hunter’s Creek Bar and Grill (http://www.yelp.com/biz/hunter-creek-bar-and-grill-the-tav-gold-beach) to use WIFI and watch Game 7 of the finals between the Cavs and Warriors.
Hunter’s Creek Bar and Grill is a casual, neighborhood bar about a mile south of Gold Beach, Oregon, and a 1/2 mile off of a lightly traveled Highway 101 exit. Hunter Creek runs behind the building, slowly flowing into the Pacific Ocean a half mile downstream from the bar. I ordered a Veggie Burger, ArchRock Pale Beer (made in the brewery next door), and enjoyed watching the game while using my laptop/wifi.
I have to admit that even though it’s easy to hate the Cavs and Lebron James, Lebron James is one of the most dominant, talented, and motivated basketball players of our generation. His body language, intensity, and defensive/offensive effort is inspiring. I’m happy for him and his team’s accomplishment. They deserved it more than the Warriors, and they wanted it more badly, especially after seeing how emotional Lebron, J.R. Smith, and the entire team was after the win. After the game, I walked back to the motel and enjoyed a well-deserved night of sleep.
Videos from today:
